Manager, Executive Communications

Specific Responsibilities:                                                                                                                 

• Develops and implements communication strategies and produces written materials that support college-level strategies—including college messages, talking points, executive publications, and opinion pieces—to advance Ursinus’s reputation through thought leadership and communications.
• Establishes and assesses a media relations plan to successfully promote faculty and staff research and expertise, as well as major institutional news and announcements. Secures earned media coverage that strengthens the college’s reputation.
• Identifies trends in higher education and creates—for the president and other institutional leaders—positioning statements, op-eds, talking points, and other messaging to position Ursinus as a thought leader in the broader higher education spectrum.
• Serves as the key spokesperson for the college and liaison with the media and, in that capacity, works relentlessly to build stronger relationships with reporters throughout the region and industry.
• Manages institutional communications and messaging during crisis and issues, always protecting the long-term reputation of the college and its people. Prepares and trains college-wide spokespersons for crisis management and communication and serves as a leading member of the college’s crisis management team. Maintains a comprehensive crisis communications plan. Roles include monitoring media activity, rolling-out the communications office’s crisis procedures, and responding to media inquiries in a timely, accurate, and transparent manner.
• Closely collaborates across divisions to ensure clear and concise communications to external audiences, such as alumni, parents, and community partners.
• Serves as a key thought-leader in developing and executing on the president’s brand, determining what issues the president will comment on, how the president should be perceived publicly, and how/when the president will message to stakeholders.
• Assists with researching, writing, and editing messages, presentations, talking points and opinion pieces as appropriate.

Qualifications:                                                                                                                

• 5 years experience in media relations, journalism, reputation management or related field.
• Have an energetic, engaging, collaborative, and confident personality.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including flexibility in writing style and tone. Strong editing skills.
• Superior skills in communications and relationship building marked by transparency and fairness.
• A record in strategic communications planning and crisis management with an understanding of issues in higher education, and the willingness to learn more as issues evolve.
• A successful record of creating innovative approaches for communicating with a wide range of audiences.
• Experience working with modern storytelling channels, such as social media, video and podcasts.
• Understands the higher education landscape and enjoys working on a college campus.
• A quick and motivated learner with the ability to connect seemingly unrelated information and ideas.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrates experience in generating news coverage. Familiarity with media relations best practices, with an emphasis on cultivating relationships.
• Familiarity with media measurement tools.

Other Duties:                                                                                                                 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice.  Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Application:                                                                                                                 

Once you create an applicant account, you will be prompted to upload your cover letter, resume, and a list with contact information for three references to the applicant database. 

Ursinus AA/EO Statement:                                                                                                                 

Ursinus is an AA/EO employer.  Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.